What does my listing cover?

Listed buildings have been given protection that covers the entire building. All of it. Historic England provide a search function that allows you to find all of the listed buildings in the country. They are graded as either:

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- Grade I

- Grade II*

- Grade II

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It's a misconception that a Grade II listed building has only its front elevation protected. The Historic England website will allow you to view the elements of the building specifically listed as being of significance but the building as a whole will speak to local vernacular/ traditional construction (particularly if the building has a particularly rare example of construction) and cultural and community significance. 

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Listed buildings are not necessarily trapped in time and it's acknowledged that buildings need to be able to adapt and serve their ever changing and growing inhabitants. Examples of this can be seen in National Trust buildings that build restaurants to provide income for the upkeep of the property.

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What should be taken away is any changes that harm the fabric of building will not be passed. Any changes that directly alter or remove particulars on the listing itself will not be passed. Any changes that damage the particular significance of that building will not be passed - and this will vary between buildings. That being said, changes that allow the building to adapt to its modern inhabitants in a way that isn't detrimental, and that is reversible, will stand a better chance of being passed by a conservation officer. It's up to the home owner to demonstrate an understanding of their building and its significance before suggesting any material change to it.

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